EFI delivers
ultra-smooth
power, but
perhaps too
smooth for
some.
When it comes to racing,
there are a few boo-birds out
there pecking at TPI (Trans-
fer Port Injection) as not
being aggressive or snappy
enough. That may be true for
some—TPI-equipped bikes are
remarkably smooth and sort
of on the boring side when
compared to a finely tuned
carbureted machine. But, for
me to say a smooth, consis-
tent-yet-boring power delivery
is negatively affecting my race
results or ride enjoyment is
a load of baloney. There are
racers out there that could use
more snap and grunt down low
than a 300 TPI, I guess. But
those are the elites. And TPI
has likely beat them, too.
The only big issue we feel
TPI brings is a fueling scenar-
io that leads to what certainly
sounds like detonation in the
cylinder at lower rpm. And
it gives the bike a lethargic,
wheezing feel off the bottom.
In KTM's defense, the XC-W
is a very capable race bike.
And for the root-infested world
of enduro, it is an absolute
weapon. But we still feel the XC
model should be cracked free
a bit more with SX-style power
delivery (even though we don't
personally need it).
VOLUME 58 ISSUE 5 FEBRUARY 2, 2021 P75
